Liquid Absorbing Bottle Holder

ABSTRACT

A holder for a liquid containing bottle includes a sleeve section having a sleeve wall, a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an interior. An elongate flap extends from a portion of the sleeve section adjacent the open top end. The flap has a free end and is foldable to a closed position covering the open top end and overlapping part of the sleeve section. A releasable fastener mechanism on the flap is configured to secure the flap in a closed position. The sleeve section can be formed of an absorbent fabric or a microfiber material. The flap can overlap the sleeve section to a variable degree when in the closed position altering a length of the sleeve section to accommodate different length bottles.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/098,307, which was filed onSep. 19, 2008. The entire disclosure of the above-noted provisionalapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to bottle holders orsleeves, and more particularly to a leak resistant or liquid absorbingbottle holder.

2. Description of Related Art

Some bottles are known to be transported by a user to various locationsoutside the home for use. Some bottles are also known to contain liquidcontents that may leak from the container during use or storage. Somebottles are also known to contain a liquid product that can end up onthe outside surfaces of the bottle during and/or after use. Bottles ofsunscreen, suntan lotion, suntan oil, body oil, or the like are justsome examples. Users often take a bottle of sunscreen or other similarproduct with them to the beach, to the golf course, to the pool, to thepark, to the bike trail, on a hike, and the like. Upon applying thesunscreen, the user will typically continue to touch the bottle, thoughtheir hands are covered with the sunscreen liquid. Thus, the bottleoften becomes greasy or sticky on its outside surfaces.

Users may carry a number of items to a location requiring the use ofanother container or carrier. One type of carrier is a beach bag or atote bag. However, on a return trip from the beach, other items in thebag may come in contact with the bottle and become contaminated bycontact with the greasy or sticky sunscreen bottle. As a result, manyusers carry their bottles of sunscreen, suntan lotion, suntan oil, bodyoil, or the like in yet another container to avoid contaminating theother contents of the bag. Users sometimes carry their sunscreen bottlein a separate storage bag such as a sandwich bag, freezer bag, or thelike. These types of containers or bags are not particularly attractive.In addition, these types of bags are not configured to accommodatebottles of different size. Further, such bags can themselves becomesticky or greasy on both the inside and outside bag surfaces. As aresult, the bag can become just as unpleasant to carry as the sticky orgreasy bottle would have been. Clear plastic bags are transparent sousers can see the contents of the storage bag, but can often become toosmeared or messy to see through.

There are other types of bottles that contain liquids, other thansunscreen bottles, that have similar problems. Hand lotion containers,shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, and baby bottles are just severalof many possible additional examples of such bottles. Any number ofthese types of different products may be carried when traveling. In oneexample, a user can take a cold bottle, perhaps containing a coldbeverage, from a refrigerator or freezer and place it in a carrier. Acold bottle can develop condensation, which in turn can also make theother contents of a carrier such as a beach bag, tote bag, or brief casewet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front side of one example of a bottle holder constructedin accordance with the teachings of the present invention and in anempty and flat condition.

FIG. 2 shows a back side of the bottle holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the bottle holder of FIG. 1 with a bottle partiallyinserted into the sleeve section of the holder.

FIG. 4 shows the bottle holder of FIG. 3 with the bottle completelyinserted into the sleeve section.

FIG. 5 shows the bottle holder of FIG. 4 with the closure flap partlyclosed.

FIG. 6 shows a back side of the bottle holder of FIG. 5 and with theclosure flap completely closed and fastened.

FIG. 7 shows the bottle holder of FIG. 1 with a smaller sized bottlepartially inserted into the sleeve section of the holder.

FIG. 8 shows the bottle holder of FIG. 7 with the bottle completelyinserted in the sleeve section and with the closure flap completelyclosed and fastened.

FIG. 9 shows a front side of another example of a bottle holder with adifferent fastener mechanism.

FIG. 10 shows a back side of another example of a bottle holder withanother different fastener mechanism.

FIG. 11 shows a back side of another example of a bottle holder with atransparent window region in the sleeve section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The bottle holders disclosed and described herein solve or improve uponone or more of the above noted and/or other problems and disadvantageswith known bottles and with bottle storage and holding devices andmethods. The disclosed bottle holders can be formed from a fabricmaterial that either does not leak or that absorbs liquid coming intocontact with the fabric. The disclosed bottle holders can also beconfigured to accommodate bottles of different shape, height, diameter,and the like. The disclosed bottle holders can also include anadjustable flap and fastener mechanism that can accommodate bottles ofvarious sizes and yet close and secure the bottle holder over a bottlestored in the holder.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one example of a bottle holder10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, the holder 10 can include a cylindricalor tubular shaped sleeve section 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, theholder 10 generally has a front side 16 and a back side 18. The frontside 16 and the back side 18 on the sleeve section 14 form a sleeve wallthat can be joined at the sides via sewn seams or the section can beformed as a contiguous tube like a sock or a shirt sleeve. The frontside 16 and the back side 18 can also be joined at a bottom closed end20, which closes off an interior 24 of the sleeve section 14. The closedend 20 and the interior 24 thus form a closed pocket to receive abottle. The sleeve section 14 of the holder 10 has an open top end 22that is open to permit a bottle to be inserted into or removed from theinterior 24.

The disclosed holder 10 also has a closure that can close the holder andbe secured in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 1, the front side 16of the holder 10 is shorter in length than the back side 18. In thedisclosed example, the closure has an elongate closure flap 28 that isformed extending from the lengthier back side 18 at the top edge 26 ofthe sleeve section 14. In the disclosed example, the flap 28 is formedintegrally with and as an extension of the back side 18 material. In analternate example, the flap 28 can be attached to the sleeve section 14as a separate piece.

In the disclosed example, the closure also employs a closure device orfastener mechanism 30, at least a portion of which can be carried on theclosure flap 28. The closure flap 28 can employ various types offastener mechanisms to secure the flap in a closed position. In oneexample as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the fastener mechanism 30 has a pair ofelongate straps 36 extending in opposite directions from the side edgesof the flap 28 near a free end 38 of the flap. The pair of straps 36 canbe either affixed to or integrally formed as part of the flap 28. In theexample shown in FIG. 6, the free ends 37 of the individual straps 36can employ a securing device configured to adhere or otherwise connectto one another after being wrapped around the sleeve section 14 of theholder 10. Each strap 36 in this example carries a securing device orfastener part 34 a, 34 b such as a hook and loop-type fastener materialpatch like VELCRO®, a snap part, or the like. In an alternate example,the individual straps 36 can each be the securing device and be providedas an elongate, complimentary, hook and loop fastener strip that allowsfor lengthwise adjustability, i.e., a variable degree of strap overlapbetween the straps 36 while being capable of attaching to one another toaccommodate different shape and diameter bottles. Alternatively, thestraps 36, including securing devices, such as snaps or thehook-and-loop fastener patches 34 a, 34 b, carried on the free ends 37can be made of elastic or stretchable, resilient material to adjust tovarious bottle sizes. In such an example, the straps 36 can employsmaller, localized, complimentary fastener parts or securing devices,such as snaps, clasps, hook and loop patches, side release buckles, orthe like, and the straps can be elastic in order to accommodatedifferent sized bottles and yet connect the fastener parts securely. Inanother example, the straps can be ties.

The holder 10 in the disclosed example can also accommodate differentheight bottles as illustrated by FIGS. 3-8. A bottle 12 with a top cap32 can be inserted into the open top 22 of the sleeve section 14 asshown in FIG. 3. The bottle 12 can be fully inserted into the sleevesection, bottoming out against the closed end 20, as shown in FIG. 4,when not in use. The closure flap 28 can be of a sufficient length tooverlap the sleeve section 14 to a variable degree when closed. Also,the fastener mechanism 30 can fasten at virtually any position along thelength of the sleeve section 14 with a bottle inserted therein. Thesefeatures alter a length of the sleeve section 14 to accommodatedifferent length bottles. The closure flap 28 can be folded over the topcap 32 of the bottle 12, as shown in FIG. 5. The fastener mechanism 30can then be fastened around the bottle 12 and the sleeve section 14.

The holder 10 can accommodate taller bottles by the flap 28 being foldedover the open top end 22 and the bottle cap 32. The taller bottle placesfastener mechanism 30 nearer the open top end, as in FIGS. 5 and 6. Theflap 28 can be folded down to a lesser length to overlap less of thesleeve section and cover the taller bottle as shown in FIG. 6. Theholder 10 can accommodate shorter bottles by the flap 28, and even partof the sleeve section 14, being folded over the bottle cap 32, as inFIGS. 7 and 8. The fastener mechanism 30 can fasten at a position closerto the closed bottom end 20 of the sleeve section 14, as in FIG. 8, forshorter bottles. The closure flap 28 can fold to a greater length tooverlap more of the sleeve section and cover the shorter height bottle.

FIG. 3 shows the bottle holder 10 in an in-use condition with a bottle12 partially inserted into the interior 24 of the holder 10, but withthe bottle cap 32, i.e., its dispensing end, exposed through the opentop end 22. The contents of the bottle can be dispensed in theconfiguration of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottle 12 can becompletely inserted all the way down to the closed end 20 of the sleevesection 14 when stored in the holder 10. For use, the fastener mechanism30 can be released and the closure flap 28 opened. The bottle 12 can bepushed or snaked back up toward the open top end 22 of the sleevesection 14 to expose a top cap 32 on the bottle to allow access for useas represented in FIG. 3. Thus, the bottle 12 need not be removed fromthe holder 10 until the contents are depleted or the holder is to becleaned.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the flap 28 is folded down over the opentop end 22 to close off the sleeve section 14, the closure straps 36 canthen be wrapped around the bottle 12 and sleeve section 14 in oppositedirections. The free ends 37 can then be secured to one another as shownin FIG. 6. Once the fastener mechanism 30 is secured, the bottle 12 isretained within the sleeve section 14 and is completely covered by theholder 10 as shown in FIG. 6.

In another example as shown in FIG. 9, a holder 40 can include a sleevesection 42 with an open top end and an elongate closure flap 44. Afastener mechanism 46 is carried on the closure flap 44 near its freeend 48. The fastener mechanism 46 in this example is a continuouselastic or resilient loop or band. With a bottle inserted into thesleeve section 42, the closure flap 44 can be folded over. The elasticloop 46 can be slipped over the circumference of the holder 40 andbottle to retain the closure flap 44 in the closed position. The elasticband can secure to the holder at any position along the sleeve section42.

In another example as shown in FIG. 10, a holder 50 can include a sleevesection 52 with an open top end and an elongate closure flap 54. Afastener mechanism is again carried on the closure flap 54 near its freeend. A fastener mechanism in this example has a pair of straps 53, eachwith a fastener part 56 a, 56 b on the respective free ends of thestraps. In this example, the fastener parts 56 a, 56 b can each be ahook-type or other suitable material that can adhere directly to theexterior surface of the sleeve section 52 of the holder 50. In thisexample, the sleeve section 52 can define part of the fastener mechanismand be formed of a material that includes a fabric texture, i.e., a looppile. The texture can be configured to adhere to the hook element of ahook and loop-type fastener. Thus, the fastener parts 56 a, 56 b caneach be such a hook element and the sleeve section 52 can provide theloop element so that the ends of each of the straps 53 can be appliedand adhere directly to any portion of the exterior surface on the sleevewall 57 as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In another example, a strip or patch of loop element can be providedalong a length of the sleeve section 52 as part of the fastenermechanism. The straps can wrap around the holder and bottle and adhereto the strip. In another example, the flap can employ a fastener partdirectly on the flap near the free end. The flap can adhere eitherdirectly to the sleeve wall material, as in the example of FIG. 10, orcan adhere to a loop material strip on the sleeve section. As with allof the examples described herein, the locations of the hook and loopmaterials or other fastener part types can be changed and the componentsreversed on the flap and the sleeve and yet function as intended.

In yet another alternate example shown in FIG. 11, a holder 60 caninclude a sleeve section 62 with an elongate closure flap 64. A wall 65of the sleeve section 62 has a front side and a back side 66. The backside 66 of the sleeve wall 65 can include a clear or transparent window68. As shown in FIG. 11, the transparent window 68 can allow a user tosee and identify the contents of the holder 60. The bottle's label canbe positioned so as to be visible through the window 68. Thus, the userneed not open the holder 60 and remove the bottle to identify thecontents.

In the disclosed examples, once the fastener mechanisms are secured, abottle can be transported without contaminating adjacent objects andwithout the user's hands becoming greasy, sticky, or dirty simply fromcarrying or touching the bottle. The bottle can stay in the holderduring use. If the bottle leaks, the fabric holder will absorb orcontain the leaked liquid. If the user's hands become covered in theliquid, the sleeve can absorb some of the liquid from their hands whenthe user touches the holder. In the disclosed example, the bottleholders can be formed of a fabric material that is flexible. In oneexample, the fabric material can also have a degree of elasticity orstretchiness, if desired. In one particular example, the fabric materialcan be a microfiber material or a synthetic blend material that isliquid absorbent. In such an instance, any liquid escaping from thebottle and/or coating the outside surface of the bottle and/orcontacting the exterior of the holder may be absorbed by the fabricmaterial.

The disclosed bottle holders can be formed of fabric materials withtextile patterns, a variety of colors, and other configurations in orderto create a variety of different looks. The holders can be formed toprovide an aesthetically pleasing decorative cover for bottles. Thus,the bottle itself need not be visible when stored in the holder. Thefabric material can be die cut, formed to shape, and sewn. However,other manual and/or automated manufacturing processes can be utilized tocreate the disclosed holders as well.

The bottle holders can be cut or formed from one piece of fabricmaterial that is folded and sewn or otherwise joined with one side seamand a bottom seam. Alternatively, the bottle holder can be cut and sewnfrom two pieces of fabric, one being a shorter front portion of thesleeve section and another being a longer back portion of the sleevewith the elongate closure flap integral to the back portion. The twopieces can joined along two side seams and along the closed bottom endof the sleeve section. However, the specific methods of manufacture canvary and still remain within the teachings of the present invention.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art uponreading this disclosure, the specific configuration and construction ofthe disclosed holders, parts, and features can vary from the examplesshown and described herein. In addition, the materials used to form thevarious components of the holder can also vary and need not be fabric.Non-fabric or other synthetic materials may become known or available,or may be developed, that are suitable for use in creating a bottleholder with the features and functionality as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disclosed fabric material holders arerelatively flat when empty and can be very light weight when no bottleis stored in the sleeve section's interior. Thus, the holders can befolded or rolled up and stored easily while taking up very littlestorage space. In addition, the holders disclosed and described hereinmay be machine washed in the regular laundry or may be hand washed, drycleaned, or otherwise decontaminated as needed, while observing cautiondue to any material limitations, characteristics, and/or concerns.

Although certain bottle holders and features have been described hereinin accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope ofcoverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, thispatent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure thatfairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

1. A holder for a liquid containing bottle, the holder comprising: asleeve section having a sleeve wall, a closed bottom end, an open topend, and an interior; an elongate flap extending from a portion of thesleeve section adjacent the open top end, the flap having a free end andbeing foldable to a closed position covering the open top end andoverlapping part of the sleeve section; and a releasable fastenermechanism on the flap configured to secure the flap in the closedposition, wherein the sleeve section is formed of an absorbent fabric.2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent fabric is amicrofiber material.
 3. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the flapis formed integrally with a portion of the sleeve section and the holderis formed of an absorbent fabric.
 4. A holder according to claim 1,wherein the fastener mechanism further comprises a pair of strapsextending laterally in opposite directions from the flap near the freeend.
 5. A holder according to claim 4, wherein each strap carries a partof a securing device capable of securing the flap in the closedposition.
 6. A holder according to claim 4, wherein the securing deviceparts are configured to connect to one another and the straps toencircle the sleeve section when secured in a closed position.
 7. Aholder according to claim 4, wherein the straps each have a securingdevice that connects directly to the sleeve wall of the sleeve sectionwhen secured in the closed position.
 8. A holder according to claim 1,wherein the fastener mechanism further comprises an elastic loop sizedto be received over the sleeve section.
 9. A holder according to claim1, wherein the sleeve section further comprises a clear window region ona part of the sleeve wall.
 10. A holder according to claim 1, whereinthe flap can be folded down to overlap less of the sleeve section tocover a taller bottle, and to overlap more of the sleeve section tocover a shorter bottle.
 11. A holder for a liquid containing bottle, theholder comprising: a tubular sleeve section having a sleeve wall, aclosed bottom end, an open top end, and an interior; a closure flapextending from the sleeve wall adjacent the open top end and having afree end, the flap foldable to a closed position overlapping the sleevesection to cover the open top end; and a fastener mechanism carried nearthe free end of the flap and configured to fasten the closure flap inthe closed position; wherein the flap can overlap the sleeve section toa variable degree when in the closed position altering a length of thesleeve section to accommodate different length bottles.
 12. A holderaccording to claim 11, wherein the flap can be folded to overlap thesleeve section to a lesser degree to cover a taller bottle, and the flapcan be folded to overlap the sleeve section to a greater degree to covera shorter bottle.
 13. A holder according to claim 12, wherein both theflap and part of the sleeve section can be folded to overlap the sleevesection to a greater degree to cover a shorter bottle.
 14. A holderaccording to claim 11, wherein the fastener mechanism has a pair ofstraps affixed near the free end of the flap and extending in opposingdirections, wherein, with the flap in the closed position, the pair ofstraps wrap around a substantial portion of the circumference of thesleeve.
 15. A holder according to claim 14, wherein the straps each havehook fasteners that can adhere to the material of the sleeve wall.
 16. Aholder according to claim 14, wherein the straps each have hook and loopfasteners parts on a distal end, and wherein the fastener part on onestrap can adhere to the fastener part on the other strap with the strapswrapped around the circumference of the sleeve and overlapping oneanother.
 17. A holder according to claim 11, wherein the fastenermechanism is a continuous elastic band.
 18. A holder according to claim11, wherein the fastener mechanism includes one or more hook typefastener parts that can connect to the sleeve wall.
 19. A holderaccording to claim 11, wherein the fastener mechanism has a pair ofelastic straps extending in opposite directions from the flap near thefree end, each strap capable of stretching to accommodate bottles ofdifferent diameter or circumference.
 20. A holder according to claim 11,wherein the sleeve section further comprises a transparent window regionon a part of the sleeve wall.
 21. A holder according to claim 11,wherein the sleeve section is formed of a microfiber material.